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1954. Having worked as a salesman most of his adult life, Ray Kroc has been a hustler in most senses of the word. That hustling has made him the target of derision among certain circles for peddling what have ended up being more novelty or faddish than useful products, but it has also placed more than a comfortable roof in Arlington Heights, Illinois over his and his wife Ethel’s heads. Ethel, however, wishes that he placed as much effort into being at home with her than he is in selling, his current job of peddling five-spindle milkshake makers for Prince Castle which has him constantly on the road going from one drive-in restaurant to another. It is because of the beefs he has with the whole drive-in experience (bad food, bad service) in constantly eating at such establishments while on the road that he becomes enthralled with the concept of McDonald’s Restaurant in San Bernardino, California, it owned and operated by brothers Richard McDonald and Maurice McDonald – Dick and Mac. Unlike most of Ray’s customers who will only require one five-spindle milkshake maker at any given time, the McDonald brothers end up purchasing eight machines for their single restaurant. Primarily on Dick’s initiative, the brothers have redesigned the whole concept of the drive-in restaurant to focus on quality food through a smaller menu of only the most popular items (hamburgers, fries, sodas), consistency in product so that customers know what to expect from time to time, change in the target market from lounging teenagers to families, and perhaps most importantly speed in having any order ready within seconds, many of these goals achievable through assembly line styled production. They had tried franchising previously, but failed in that they lost control over many of those aspects which made their San Bernardino restaurant successful. Despite believing Ray a bit off kilter (in other words, crazy), the McDonald brothers somewhat hesitantly enter into a contract with him to be their head of franchising. Ray’s experience in the job is not without its problems, especially as his franchisees seem to be making more money than he is, he who is only breaking even. He is not averse to advancing ideas provided to him to get ahead – original ideas which are not his forte – he seeing the brothers as his biggest problem in they thinking small. These differences lead to a standoff between Ray and the brothers, the former who has a different goal for “his” business in profit and stoking his own ego seemingly his main priorities.
Duration: 115 min
Released: 2017
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 (74,981 Votes)
Genre: Biography, Drama, Dubbed Movies, History
Stars: Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, Linda Cardellini, John Carroll Lynch
Directors: John Lee Hancock
Writers: Robert D. Siegel
Year: 2016
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Introduction
"The Founder" is a compelling 2016 biographical drama that delves into the fascinating and often controversial story behind one of the most iconic fast-food empires in the world—McDonald's. Directed by John Lee Hancock and penned by Robert Siegel, this film explores the ambitious rise of Ray Kroc, portrayed masterfully by Michael Keaton, who transformed a small burger operation into an international franchise phenomenon. The film also stars Nick Offerman, who plays Dick McDonald, one of the original McDonald brothers.
What Is The Movie About?
Set in the 1950s, "The Founder" traces the life of Ray Kroc, a struggling salesman from Illinois with a dream of making it big. His journey takes a pivotal turn when he meets the McDonald brothers, Dick and Mac, who run a highly efficient and innovative fast-food restaurant in California. Intrigued by their novel "Speedee Service System," which revolutionized fast food preparation and delivery, Kroc pitches the idea of expanding this concept nationwide through franchising.
The film chronicles Kroc's relentless pursuit of success, highlighting his sharp business acumen and sometimes ruthless tactics. While initially working alongside the McDonald brothers, Kroc's vision for rapid expansion eventually leads to tension and ethical conflicts as he maneuvered to gain control over the brand and its operations. "The Founder" delves into themes of ambition, entrepreneurship, legal battles, and the cost of the American Dream, ultimately showcasing how Kroc's determination turned McDonald's into a global powerhouse—but not without controversy and personal compromises.
Main Actors
Director and Writer
John Lee Hancock directed "The Founder," skillfully balancing the dramatic tension of a biographical story with moments that offer insight into the burgeoning fast-food industry's evolution. Hancock is known for directing character-driven dramas such as "The Blind Side" and "Saving Mr. Banks," and he brings a meticulous eye to the storytelling in "The Founder." The screenplay, written by Robert Siegel, brilliantly captures the nuances of business rivalries and the complex personality of Ray Kroc, offering a nuanced look at the man behind the empire.
Historical and Cultural Context
"The Founder" provides more than just a story about business success; it paints a vivid picture of mid-20th-century America, a time when rapid growth, franchising innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit were reshaping the economic landscape. This movie offers viewers not just entertainment but also educates them on the origins of a global fast-food phenomenon and the human stories intertwined with it.
Cinematography and Production
The film is aesthetically crafted to evoke the 1950s atmosphere, with meticulous attention to period details—from costumes and cars to restaurant interiors. The cinematography by John Schwartzman complements the narrative, providing an intimate yet expansive view of Ray Kroc's journey from a small-town salesman to a powerful business mogul.
Reception and Legacy
Upon release, "The Founder" received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Michael Keaton's transformative performance as well as the film’s thoughtful portrayal of the complexities involved in building a business empire. It serves as both an inspiring and cautionary tale, prompting viewers to reflect on the costs of ambition and the ethics of entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
In sum, "The Founder" is an insightful and engaging film that uncovers the lesser-known origins of McDonald's and the man who shaped it into a global brand. Whether you're a fan of biographical dramas, entrepreneurial histories, or just great filmmaking, this movie offers a compelling narrative brought to life by outstanding performances and strong direction. It shines a light on the human ambition that fuels success and the moral complexities that often accompany it.
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